Cathal McConnell: Long Expectant Come at Last

CATHAL McCONNELL: LONG EXPECTANT COME AT LAST

Cathal McConnell: flute, whistle, vocals

Big John McManus: fiddle, vocals

Patrick Ourceau: fiddle

Winifred Horan: fiddle

Joanie Madden: alto flute

John Doyle: guitar

Pat Kilbride: cittern

Charlie Lennon: piano

Colm Murphy: bodhran

.... plus ....

Richard and Linda Thompson, Dave Mattacks, and more...

Fermanagh-born flute player and singer Cathal McConnell, a member of the famous Boys of the Lough, has finally released a solo album, the first since 1978. Well, "solo" is not really appropriate, for McConnell's musical friends are as many as his musical interests are diverse, and McConnell chose to feature as many of both as he could here. The above list of guest musicians will give you an idea of what transpires, the presence of both Richard and Linda Thompson being quite an event in itself. As the producers point out, McConnell is a bit of a character, and the music on this CD reflects his many moods, from serious "pure-drop" traditional music to hilarious songs, quirky compositions, and experimental arrangements. Not to be missed.

Rating: ****

Price: $16.99